Gather Information About Workplace Hazards

Gather information about workplace hazards

The WHS Act provides details as to the need for workers at all levels to research, collect and record information about WHS hazards and risks and other aspects of WHS.

This involves:

·  seeking information external to the workplace,

·  conducting inspections

·  contributing to and

·  supporting, practitioners and other workers.

External information –

Sources external to a PCBU are – industry, trade and professional associations [trade unions, IPA, ICAA], libraries, other PCBUs in the industry; academic institutions, local agencies [e.g. councils] etc

Government agencies:

www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislation2012/Asafeworkplace/Pages/default.aspx -

www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

www.comcare.gov.au

http://www.standards.org.au/Pages/default.aspx

Codes of Practice are a good source of information. There are many codes of practice relating to WHS. For the WorkCover Code of Practice on ‘How to manage work health and safety risks’ refer to the following website. This Code of Practice applies to all industries.

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Documents/how-manage-work-health-safety-risks-code-of-practice-3565.pdf

WorkCover codes of practice include the following:

·  Confined spaces

·  Hazardous manual tasks

·  How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace

·  How to manage work health and safety risks

·  Managing the risk of falls at workplaces

·  How to safely remove asbestos

·  Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals

·  Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work

·  Managing the work environment and facilities

·  Preparation of safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals

·  Work health and safety consultation, coordination and cooperation.

For First Aid Code of Practice please refer to the Safe Work Australia website.

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/legislation/model-cop/pages/model-cop.aspx

Comcare also has an interactive site called the Virtual Office which will assist you in acquiring knowledge about the types of hazards and risks in an office environment. This site will also you solutions to problems relating to hazards and risks.

http://www.comcare.gov.au/virtual_workplaces/virtual_office/office/computers_and_personal_electronic_devices

Because this is one of the critical elements of this Unit it is important to know the information in this section.

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